East Texas mother church. Founded 1848 by Rev. Henry Samson, missionary sent on plea of Mrs. J. Pinckney Henderson, wife of first (1846-1847) Governor of State of Texas. Original brick building, 1851. This strongly braced post and beam structure built 1870. Gothic bell tower added 1891. Has pews and rails from first building. Rev. Geo. L. Crocket, rector 41 years, made carvings in church; wrote "Two Centuries in East Texas." Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1965